Background Agricultural Connections
It is a known fact that having a diet consisting of fruits and vegetables is good for human health. However, knowing the nutritional value, classification, and how to prepare them for eating is also important. Fruits and vegetables should replace the unhealthy foods in our diets, not simply just be an addition. They both provide a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber in addition to being low in calories and cholesterol. Some have been proven to reduce chronic illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, and certain heart conditions. However, if young students don't understand the value of their own nutrition then it is highly unlikely they will choose fruits and vegetables in their diets.
The USDA supports a program called Farm to School. Farm to School offers schools' nutrition directors the opportunity to buy and serve locally produced farm-fresh foods to students in the cafeteria. These foods include fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, meat, and beans. This program connects the local producers within the communities to the educational districts so students can gain access to healthy foods and improve the local economy. This program is also known to help schools create school gardens and cooking lessons for students; consequently this type of education affords students the ability to make better decisions concerning their diet. More information regarding the National Farm to School Network can be found on www.farmtoschool.org.
Through the USDA Farm to School program schools can spend a portion of their USDA Foods entitlement money specifically on fresh fruits and vegetables through the DoD Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. This program is operated by the Department of Defense for supplying fresh fruits and vegetables to schools. To find out more about these programs, contact your state Department of Agriculture or visit their website and look for educational resources.